Unions representing staff at the Rosalie Unit are meeting this afternoon (Monday), as the HSE is planning to redeploy the staff at the unit to other facilities in Co Roscommon and neighbouring counties.

The HSE has controversially closed the facility that had been caring for elderly residents with dementia.

A number of residents in the Rosalie Unit have already been moved to other care home facilities, and staff are now being asked to apply for transfers to other mental health facilities in counties Roscommon, Galway and Mayo where vacancies currently exist.

The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council has criticised the move, as he says the HSE had promised to consider the Castlerea facility for other purposes, but now it looks like there is no such plan going forward.

SIPTU, Forsa and the PNA - who represent the staff involved- will be meeting today to consider their options.

Castlerea-based Fianna Fail Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice told Midwest News today that some staff members who have worked at the Rosalie Unit for years are now faced with applying for jobs in Roscommon Town, Boyle and Ballinasloe.

He's also concerned about what this will mean for the future of the Rosalie Care Home.